Summary: United States War Department Film Bulletin about evacuation hospitals.
Description: The film opens with a general overview of the importance of evacuation hospitals in providing intermediate care for the wounded. The location of an evacuation hospital is of uttermost importance. It must be close enough to the front line for the wounded to retreat to without too much difficulty, relatively near a main road, and built on a comparatively level area. The layout of the hospital depends on the circumstances and terrain, and the hospital tents are put up in order of priority. The setting up of such hospitals takes considerable organisation, but with the assistance of all available personnel an evacuation hospital can be set up in just 4 to 6 hours. Due to the nature of the hospital, supplies must be stored carefully, an adequate water supply must be in place, and hay is strewn on the ground in the perpetual war on mud. Once the hospital is functional the casualties begin to arrive. A brief examination is carried out on arrival to determine the extent of the injuries suffered, and the priority of treatment to be given. Morphine is administered to those in need, and casualties suffering from shock are transferred to the shock tent to await further treatment. The X-ray tent is adjacent to the operating tent, and patients in need of surgery are transferred to the pre-op tent and prepared for surgery. In the operating tent there may often be up to six operating teams in action at the same time. After surgery patients are transferred to the post-operative tent to recuperate. Attention is drawn to the fact that morale can sometimes be as important as medical treatment in the recovery of a patient, and assistance is given with shaving and smoking. A mobile laundry unit takes care of the hospital's laundry needs, and an onsite pharmacy and laboratory provide additional medical assistance. A dedicated catering team headed by a dietician provide nutritious meals for all, and "meals on wheels" are provided for those confined to the wards. Casualties who are either ready to be discharged back to their unit or moved to a general hospital for further treatment are transferred to the evacuation tent. When ready to leave the patients are provided with copies of their medical papers and reunited with their personal belongings. The film closes with various views of patients departing the evacuation hospital by various means.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:USA 168
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:
Production Date:1945
Production Country: United States of America
Production Details: United States War Department (Production sponsor)
Army Pictorial Service (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 600 ft (ca); Running time: 17 mins
